Archive By Author - Dale Hogg

This past week marked the 75th anniversary of National Newspaper Week, an annual observance that underscores the impact of newspapers to communities large and small. The theme of this year's NNW is "Power of the Press."

Much to the chagrin of numerous taxing entities in Barton County, the sales tax distribution that was due out by Sept. 20 has yet to be made. The delay is creating hardships for those anticipating the funds.

The Great Bend City Council Monday night adopted a resolution setting 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 as the dates for a pubic hearings for the unsafe and dangerous structure at 1318 Kansas Ave., owned by Trent Mermis, and 1324 Kansas Avenue, owned by Norma Ward.

The last of the World War II B-29 hangers at the Great Bend Municipal Airport has been near collapse for several years, and the recent storm just made things worse. Noting that it is a shame to see the landmark go, the Great Bend City Council Monday night authorized Stone Sand Company to raze the beleaguered historic structure.

It is an unfortunate coincidence that came only a couple weeks after the tremendous success of the Great Bend Airfest, an event celebrating the communities rich World War II heritage. The Great Bend City Council Monday night discussed the fate of last of the remaining WW II B-29 hangars at the Great Bend Municipal Airport.

In November, the Barton County Historical Society will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the dedication of "The Rifleman," the original bronze statue by noted American sculptor Frederick C. Hibbard. To the north of the Barton County Courthouse, this likeness of a young man about 19 years of age stands eternal guard in defense of the Union, rifle and bayonet at the ready.

In all, Barton County Solid Waste Director Phil Hathcock said 52 participants dropped off 258 pounds of household hazardous waste at the Sept. 19 collection at the Barton County Landfill. In addition, 3,400 pounds of E-Waste was recycled during the reporting period.

Do you know who lives next door to you? Have you ever actually exchanged a word with them? If so, congratulations, you're part of a growing American trend. Studies indicate that about one third of Americans say they have never interacted with their neighbors.

Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir last week appointed Steve Billinger as lieutenant for the Barton County Sheriff's Office. On Monday morning, Bellendir introduced the veteran law enforcement officer to the County Commission.

TOPEKA – When the U.S. Supreme Court begins its annual term next week, it will hear oral arguments in three Kansas capital murder cases, including one from Barton County, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced Monday. In all three instances, the arguments will center around constitutional questions.

This past week was Farm Safety and Health Week and when September wraps up Wednesday, so does Farm Safety Month, but the risks of agriculture continue. The annual observance, a program of the National Safety Council's National Education Center for Agricultural Safety in its 72nd year, was a time to call attention to this dangerous occupation.